VCU Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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About the model system

 PM&R TBI Model Systems

Principal investigator: Jeffrey Kreutzer, Ph.D.
Co-principal investigator: David Cifu, M.D.
Project coordinator: Jenny Marwitz, M.A.

The VCU Model System of care provides comprehensive, coordinated inpatient and outpatient care for persons with traumatic brain injury. The system includes emergency medical services; early intensive and acute medical care; comprehensive rehabilitation services and long-term rehabilitation follow-up.

The VCU program also carries out scientific research. Our research programs focus on improving care and quality of life for people with brain injury and their families. The benefits of family support and education, identification and treatment of depression, and the effectiveness of early rehabilitation are also areas of study.

The faculty and staff of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation along with our colleagues at the VCU Medical Center are committed to working together to improve the lives of people with TBI. The collaboration and teamwork of our devoted staff have proven successful as indicated by our federal designation as a model system of care since 1987.

Persons with brain injury may wish to participate in our research programs. In many cases, participants will be offered a chance to:

• Receive long-term follow-up by interdisciplinary specialists.
• Learn about brain injury, rehabilitation and treatment resources.
• Learn about support and rehabilitation programs in their community.
• Hear about new research findings relating to treatment and outcomes.
• Have the satisfaction of knowing that the information they provide to researchers could help improve the lives of others who have a brain injury and their families.